When does Christmas get a bit nicer with kids?

[Needthehelp9]

We have a DD, she’s 2.5.

The first year she was 6 months old and I had PND so honestly just a blur but definitely not good for me. The second year she was 18m and completely overwhelmed and in meltdown central, and this year was slightly better but the lack of naps and her cousins excitement sent her absolutely loopy.

She didn’t sleep until 10pm on Christmas Day despite many efforts (we stayed at MIL for 2 nights as did older cousins who stayed up playing which she could hear). Then she was back up at 6:30 this morning.

Jesus, it’s just been really hard this year. We had pockets of lovely moments, but the tears, the tantrums. She was obviously knackered. I am. Exhausted.

Next year, 3.5. Any easier? I just feel like I’m surviving Christmas at the moment. So glad to be back in our own home tonight.

Both of ours have been pretty good - but only 4 adults each time and 1 baby/toddler. So we fitted around her needs and routine.

I don't recommend hosting with a 1 year old though, unless you pick your guests carefully - we did it, but the visiting relatives occupied our sofa for days (annoying because there is only a single 2 seater in our house, so we were stuck on dining chairs or the floor which is non-ideal when breastfeeding - and just rotating would be nice). We ran around behind them and the baby utterly exhausted. And then they left us with th3 gift of norovirus.

Thinking about it, I do have lots of happy memories and photos of my baby's first Christmas - but I've no idea how given that write up! :D

When my eldest was 3 was the last year we went to my parents for Christmas. They don't really have the space and don't understand what toddlers and children need.

Being home for Christmas was a revelation.

Why host, even? We keep Christmas Day as a small family event - quiet, stress free, and we get to follow our own routines and have our own traditions. Broader family visits happen before or after, but the day itself is for the four of us.

First year he was 6 months and didn't sleep.which wasn't fun. 18 months and 2 and a half he was fine as didn't really get it. Three and a half this year and harder as he was SO excited and overtired and still could have maybe done with a nap as up at 5am but obviously no chance. I have high hopes for next year! I think it is touch and go under 5.

DS is 3.5 and other than a few tears at bedtime he's been a sheer joy this Christmas.

DD is almost 2 and it's been about 70% tears/tantrums and 30% cuteness.

DD just turned five and loves Christmas, but she gets overwhelmed by it all. We encourage her to take breaks to play with gifts rather than open everything at once. She usually opens gifts over a few days for birthday and Christmas.

We've been away almost every Christmas apart from when the eldest was 6 months. Totally unnecessary. You can find moments of calm anywhere just by going out for a toddler paced walk with the pushchair to hand, or going to read books in bed etc.

I hate all this "oh I couldn't possibly travel now I have young children" crap. Unless you rely on public transport and have multiple kids/SEN it's really no issue.

3ish for us. We had a lovely Christmas this year but we were at home and kept to routine. It was really magical and no dramas.

We’ve had Christmasses like you describe - with in laws and it’s been awful. No sleep for anyone and very stimulated kids. Just horrible. We now only do Christmas at home and then from Boxing Day onwards we will stay and see family.

While I do agree with you, having children shouldn’t mean you can’t travel. Some children just don’t do well out of routine/ environment. Add in the excitement of Christmas etc and it does become a nightmare. It’s great your children adapt but the Ops children obviously are struggling, mine would too - that’s okay, it doesn’t mean we are parenting wrong. It means we are all parenting different children.

For what it’s worth. We do travel fairly extensively. We just know that at Christmas being in our own environment with some routines works better at making it enjoyable and relaxing for everyone.